Coachella Cal Fire Battalion Chief retires After 30+ years of service

After nearly 40 years of service, a Cal Fire Battalion Chief was honored Thursday night as he enters into retirement.

Bonifacio De La Cruz has represented Riverside County Fire Department Station 79 in Coachella as its Chief for years.

Many have seen him out in the field, battling flames or providing medical aid to those who need it.

For De La Cruz, his dream to become a firefighter started when he was 5 years old. “I saw a parade. And in the parade was uh, you know, fire engines and the firefighters and that's that struck me and you know, since then I thought maybe that's something I would like to pursue as a you know, as a career.”

For years, De La Cruz worked up the ranks- eventually becoming a Battalion Chief.

“All of those years have translated to the successes that we enjoy now... It's more than just fighting fire. It's truly public service.”

On Thursday, several colleagues, local officials and leaders reflected on De La Cruz's service over the last few decades.

“I couldn't even imagine in my wildest dreams it would amount to this many people this is a fantastic," said De La Cruz.

Along his journey, De La Cruz has impacted the lives of many. From fellow firefighters, “Chief has made a really big impact not only on the firefighters that are assigned to his battalion, but also the community in general,” said Captain Jose Hernandez.

To local leaders, "He certified me for CPR, first aid and all of that. So you were my first medical school professor chief," explained Rep. Raul Ruiz, M.D.

De La Cruz told News Channel 3 the most rewarding part of his job is seeing everyone grow and pay it forward. “Their successes is it you know it's just a very heartwarming you know moment because you know, it's all well worth it.”

Looking back his decades of hard work for the Coachella Valley- “We joined the fire service together as volunteers," Former Captain Fernando Herrera added, "And you know, since then we were in the fire service for so many years, we've worked together many fires, we've been to incidence."

Chief De La Cruz said he will always continue to serve. "It's not going to hit me that hard. I think the plans that I have from here forward will you know, keep me busy.”